It has been a tumultuous tenure as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

Mr Trump has been vocal about wanting to replace Mr Sessions, frequently noting his displeasure over the special-counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The New York Times reports that lawmakers and administration officials believed firing the attorney general before the midterm elections would have had negative consequences for Republicans in tight races.

So it's no surprise the move comes just a day after midterm elections that resulted in Democrats gaining control of the House of Representatives. Republican retain control of the Senate.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is expected to remain in charge of the Russia investigation and special counsel Robert Mueller.